Elizabeth Court care home residents offer romantic advice to young valentines

Two residents from Elizabeth Court care home in Caterham have offered romantic advice to young couples celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Residents Joan Borroff, 98, and Eileen Bellingham, 91, are new to being ‘agony aunts’ but hope their experience of married life will help young couples have a happy and long relationship.

The pair will join the other residents at Anchor’s Elizabeth Court in Grenadier Place for a Valentine’s tea dance on Saturday (16 February).

Joan, who married Jack in Wood Green, North London, in 1951, said the secret to their marriage was the fact they didn’t have a car!

Scottish-born Joan, who lived with Jack in Whyteleafe for more than 50 years, said: “As we didn’t have a car, we had to walk everywhere so we spent a lot of time together.

My advice to young couples would be a bit of give and take on both sides. 

“We had such a lovely life together. And it was luck we met. I was living in Dunblane and Jack was living in London but it was thanks to a friend who dragged me along to a holiday camp in Norfolk that we met.”

Great grandmother Eileen, who was married to Charles for 55 years, said the highlight to their marriage was their three children.

Eileen, who has lived at Anchor’s Elizabeth Court for two years, said: “The secret to a long relationship is liking and being kind to each other. Charles always used to sing to me and my favourite Valentine’s present from him was a musical box which played Let Me Call you Sweetheart.”

Elizabeth Court Manager Sue Guyon said the Valentine’s party was part of a packed programme of activities at the care home.

She said: “This is such an exciting event. There will be lots of fun, colour and wonderful food. Older people have a life time of experience when it comes to love so it’s great they can offer younger couples advice.

“The tea dance is part of Elizabeth Court’s ongoing programme of interesting activities which aim to stimulate the residents physically and mentally.

“Such events are also a great occasion for residents to socialise with friends and their families.”